Arena

You struggle to your feet, your body still weak from blood loss, and take a few wobbly steps backwards with an uneasy feeling in your gut.

"Do you have a better strategy?" You ask him.

He laughs briefly and genuinely at this. "Better than sleeping in broad daylight right in the middle of a path?" He questions; "Let us hope I have a better strategy than that."

You stare back at him, unsure of how to take him.

"Be easy," He says gently, "I was in the hilled lands for much of yesterday. I found some mosses and herbs on the hillside that should be of service.

"May I look at your wound," He asks, taking a step forward.